| Bird Watching |
| | Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge | | This refuge consists of wet meadows, river oxbows and riparian corridor primarily within the flood plain of the Rio Grande, and dry uplands vegetated with greasewood and saltbush. These areas support songbirds, water birds, raptors, mule deer, beaver and coyotes. | |
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| | Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge | | This was established by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission in 1953 to provide a much needed habitat for wildlife, particularly waterfowl, in the San Luis Valley. | |
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| | Mosca Campground | | This campground, located within the San Luis State Park, offers 51 individual campsites, all with electrical hook-ups. | |
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| | Rio Grande National Forest | | The Rio Grande National Forest consists of 1.86 million acres and four wilderness areas. This area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for all visitors. | |
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| | San Luis State Park | | The 2,369-acre park offers camping, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing and great photo opportunities. | |
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| Mammals |
| | Conejos River | | This river provides more than 30 stream miles of high quality wild trout fishing. It has more public fishing access along its length than any other major river in Colorado. Although much of the river flows through private land, access to the river is provided through cooperative efforts of the Forest Service, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the private landowners. Such areas are well marked with official signs. | |
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| | Hidden Lake Trail | | This 2.7 mile one-way trail has a beginning elevation of 8,700 feet and an ending elevation of 10,200 feet. This trail is rated as "moderate" and receives "moderate" usage. | |
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| | Miners Creek Trail | | This 7.0 mile one-way trail has a beginning elevation of 9,000 feet and an ending elevation of 11,500 feet. This trail is rated as "moderate" and receives "very light" usage. | |
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| | Platoro Reservoir | | The 6,000-acre of the reservoir offers visitors great fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. The Platoro Reservoir is located in a high mountain valley with broad vistas of the San Juan Mountains. Since the recreation season is short and the location remote, use is low to moderate. | |
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| | Red Lake Trail | | This trail has a beginning elevation of 10,300 feet and an ending elevation of 11,700 feet. This trail is rated as "easy-moderate" and receives "heavy" usage. | |
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| | Rio Grande River | | Fishing on the Rio Grande River can bring in rainbow trout, native cutthroat and brown trout in all sizes up to 18 pounds. River rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing take place to one extent or another over portions of this section of the river. | |
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| | Sheep Creek Trail | | This trail measures 6.5 miles and has a beginning elevation of 8,450 feet and an ending elevation of 10,400 feet. This trail is rated as "moderate" and receives "light" usage. | |
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| | South Zapata Creek Trail | | This trail measures 5.0 miles and has a beginning elevation of 9,200 feet and an ending elevation of 11,900 feet. This trail is rated as "moderate" and receives "light" usage. | |
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| Wildlife Viewing In National Forests |
| | Rio Grande National Forest | | The Rio Grande National Forest consists of 1.86 million acres and four wilderness areas. This area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for all visitors. | |
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| Wildlife Viewing In Wilderness Areas |
| | Middle Fork Conejos River Trail | | This 4.4 mile trail is located entirely within the boundaries of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. It is rated as "easy to moderate". The trail receives "moderate to heavy" usage. The beginning elevation is 10,250 feet, and the ending elevation is 11,400 feet. | |
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| | North Fork Conejos River Trail | | This 3.4 mile trail is located entirely within the boundaries of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. It is rated as "moderate", and receives "light" usage. The beginning elevation is 10,300 feet, and the ending elevation is 11,540 feet. | |
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| | South Fork Conejos River Trail | | This 10.0 mile trail is located entirely within the boundaries of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. It is rated as "more difficult", and receives "moderate" usage. The beginning elevation is 8,950 feet, and the ending elevation is 11,400 feet. | |
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| | South San Juan Wilderness Area | | About 180 miles of trails available to hikers here. The Continental Divide crosses the heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles. The South Fork of the Conejos River Trail will lead to the Conejos Peak Trail, which climbs north to the summit of Conejos Peak and offers a fantastic view into the heart of the area. | |
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| Wildlife Viewing In Wildlife Preserves & Refuges |
| | Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge | | This refuge consists of wet meadows, river oxbows and riparian corridor primarily within the flood plain of the Rio Grande, and dry uplands vegetated with greasewood and saltbush. These areas support songbirds, water birds, raptors, mule deer, beaver and coyotes. | |
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| | Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge | | This was established by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission in 1953 to provide a much needed habitat for wildlife, particularly waterfowl, in the San Luis Valley. | |
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